Anxiety and related disorders: cognitive model of panic: practice question

A Psychiatry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Psychiatry · Anxiety and related disorders: cognitive model of panic

Sample item

In the cognitive model of panic disorder, a racing heart is read as a sign of an impending heart attack, which raises anxiety and the heart rate further. Which concept does this describe?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Catastrophic misinterpretation of bodily sensations

Clark's cognitive model holds that panic attacks occur when benign bodily sensations are interpreted as an imminent catastrophe, creating a vicious circle of anxiety and symptoms. Therapy targets these appraisals.

Option by option

  • A. Learned helplessness

    Learned helplessness is a model of depression from uncontrollable stress.

  • B. Thought-action fusion

    Thought-action fusion is the belief that thinking something is equal to doing it, seen in OCD.

  • C. Catastrophic misinterpretation of bodily sensations (correct)

    Correct. Misreading bodily sensations as signs of catastrophe drives the panic cycle.

  • D. Cognitive triad of depression

    The cognitive triad is a negative view of self, world and future in depression.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Psychiatry question

What is the answer to this Psychiatry question?

The best answer is C, Catastrophic misinterpretation of bodily sensations. Clark's cognitive model holds that panic attacks occur when benign bodily sensations are interpreted as an imminent catastrophe, creating a vicious circle of anxiety and symptoms.

Why is "Learned helplessness" not the answer?

Learned helplessness is a model of depression from uncontrollable stress.

Why is "Thought-action fusion" not the answer?

Thought-action fusion is the belief that thinking something is equal to doing it, seen in OCD.

Why is "Cognitive triad of depression" not the answer?

The cognitive triad is a negative view of self, world and future in depression.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Anxiety and related disorders: cognitive model of panic in Psychiatry. Therapy targets these appraisals.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Anxiety and related disorders: cognitive model of panic?

Learn each diagnosis by its core features and its first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other Psychiatry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.